Draft Lane Johnson?

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Saints coach Sean Payton said recently that the teamís lack of a left tackle was keeping him up at night, so itís no surprise that the team is looking to the draft as a potential way to fill the hole ...

Saints coach Sean Payton said recently that the teamís lack of a left tackle was keeping him up at night, so itís no surprise that the team is looking to the draft as a potential way to fill the hole opened by the departure of Jermon Bushrod.

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Oklahomaís Lane Johnson will visit with the team on Tuesday. Johnsonís widely regarded as the third-best left tackle in the draft behind Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher, which would seem to make him a good fit for what the Saints are looking for at present.

The snag is that Johnson isnít likely to make it all the way to the 15th pick in the first round. The Saints could deal up, obviously, although they only have five picks this season after past deals and the second-round pick taken away from them as a result of the bounty punishments.

For a team that needs plenty of help for a defense in transition, that might be too high a price to pay even if a lack of protection on Drew Breesí blind side is something interfering with Paytonís REM cycles.

You never know. Players drop for whatever reason all of the time. If Warmack, Cooper, and Fluker get taken in the top 15, someone could easily drop a few spots. Lots of buzz surround Fluker and Warmack right now and Cooper is highly thought of also.

Typically outside the top handful of picks, the draft is pretty unpredictable. I wouldn't count ourselves out with Johnson just yet... if he's the player we are coveting. And while we don't have a second this year, we could certainly dangle next year's 2nd if we felt he is worth it.

You never know. Players drop for whatever reason all of the time. If Warmack, Cooper, and Fluker get taken in the top 15, someone could easily drop a few spots. Lots of buzz surround Fluker and Warmack right now and Cooper is highly thought of also.

Typically outside the top handful of picks, the draft is pretty unpredictable. I wouldn't count ourselves out with Johnson just yet... if he's the player we are coveting. And while we don't have a second this year, we could certainly dangle next year's 2nd if we felt he is worth it.

I see one of them being available at 15. Who it is will be down to personal preference.

Fluker is ranked 21st in prospects, so unless there is a run on OT.. How many teams need an OT? 4?

Imho we will not trade up. IF and that is a big IF, Johnson was to drop to #15 we would likely be feilding tons of offers to trade down. Whatsoever happens L.Johnson dropping to #15 would be a blessing.